Linked.Archi Zachman Framework Taxonomy

Zachman Framework Classification

Classification of enterprise architecture artifacts by interrogative and perspective.

• ▼Interrogative
  The six fundamental questions that define the columns of the Zachman Framework matrix.

  https://meta.linked.archi/zachman#Interrogative
  • What (Data)
    Describes the data and information entities of the enterprise — the things the business talks about.

    Scope Note: Artifacts: entity-relationship models, data models, class diagrams, data dictionaries.

    https://meta.linked.archi/zachman#What
  • How (Function)
    Describes the processes and functions the enterprise performs — the transformations applied to data.

    Scope Note: Artifacts: process models, application architecture, use cases, service definitions.

    https://meta.linked.archi/zachman#How
  • Where (Network)
    Describes the locations and network topology — where the enterprise operates and how locations are connected.

    Scope Note: Artifacts: network diagrams, deployment models, geographic distribution maps.

    https://meta.linked.archi/zachman#Where
  • Who (People)
    Describes the people, roles, and organizational units — who does the work and who is responsible.

    Scope Note: Artifacts: organization charts, role definitions, workflow models, security models.

    https://meta.linked.archi/zachman#Who
  • When (Time)
    Describes the events, cycles, and schedules — when things happen and in what sequence.

    Scope Note: Artifacts: event models, state diagrams, schedules, master plans.

    https://meta.linked.archi/zachman#When
  • Why (Motivation)
    Describes the goals, strategies, and business rules — why the enterprise does what it does.

    Scope Note: Artifacts: goal models, business rules, strategy maps, motivation models.

    https://meta.linked.archi/zachman#Why
• ▼Perspective
  The six stakeholder perspectives that define the rows of the Zachman Framework matrix, representing progressive reification from abstract to concrete.

  https://meta.linked.archi/zachman#Perspective
  • Executive Perspective (Planner) (Scope / Contextual)
    The planner's view — establishes the scope and context of the enterprise. Identifies the business purpose, boundaries, and important external relationships.

    Scope Note: Row 1: Scope contexts. Stakeholder: Executive, Strategist, Planner.

    https://meta.linked.archi/zachman#ExecutivePerspective
  • Business Management Perspective (Owner) (Business Concepts / Conceptual)
    The owner's view — defines the business model in terms the business understands. Describes the enterprise from the business owner's perspective using business language.

    Scope Note: Row 2: Business concepts. Stakeholder: Business Owner, Domain Expert.

    https://meta.linked.archi/zachman#BusinessManagementPerspective
  • Architect Perspective (Designer) (System Logic / Logical)
    The designer's view — creates the logical model that mediates between business requirements and technology constraints. Introduces structure, relationships, and rules independent of implementation.

    Scope Note: Row 3: System logic. Stakeholder: Architect, Systems Analyst.

    https://meta.linked.archi/zachman#ArchitectPerspective
  • Engineer Perspective (Builder) (Technology Model / Physical)
    The builder's view — adapts the logical model to specific technology constraints. Introduces technology-specific design decisions while preserving the logical intent.

    Scope Note: Row 4: Technology physics. Stakeholder: Engineer, Developer, Technology Specialist.

    https://meta.linked.archi/zachman#EngineerPerspective
  • Technician Perspective (Implementer) (Tool Configuration / Detailed)
    The implementer's view — represents the actual implementation in specific tools, languages, and platforms. The out-of-context, detailed specifications.

    Scope Note: Row 5: Tool configurations. Stakeholder: Implementer, Programmer, DBA.

    https://meta.linked.archi/zachman#TechnicianPerspective
  • User Perspective (Worker) (Operations / Functioning Enterprise)
    The worker's view — the functioning enterprise as experienced by the people who use it. The actual instances of data, processes, networks, people, events, and strategies in operation.

    Scope Note: Row 6: Functioning enterprise. Stakeholder: End User, Operator.

    https://meta.linked.archi/zachman#UserPerspective